My Background & Teaching Experience

Music has always been a huge part of my life, both my parents being musical and always having a piano in the house. My Mother learned traditionally as a child and my Father played several instruments by ear, so I had the best of both worlds in the sense that I initially had a talent to play by ear, followed by my attending lessons from the age of 11, which allowed me to work quickly through the piano grades. I also learned the cornet from age 11, initially joining the Cardiff Schools Brass Band, then the South Glamorgan Youth Brass Band, which was an extremely successful band, winning several competitions during the time I spent playing with them. The memory of playing in the Schools Prom at the Royal Albert Hall at the tender age of 13 is a memory I will treasure!

I did not initially pursue a career in music as I wished to play for my own pleasure, although I did spend six months as a restaurant pianist in 1990. After twelve years working in banking and finance, I decided to train as a secondary School Music Teacher, qualifying in 1998. I worked in several schools as a Music Teacher before deciding to widen my teaching skills by qualifying as a Primary Teacher in 2004.

This eventually led me to work within Additional Learning Needs, having now gained extensive experience teaching children with ALN. I have been a manager of, and taught within alternative provision settings, working with children who have experienced learning barriers due to behaviour, anxiety or diagnosed mental health problems, as well as those who are more able and talented. During my teacher training and subsequent employment as a teacher in schools, I have entered students for A.B.R.S.M. piano grade examinations (since 1997) with a 100% pass success rate, many with Distinction and Merit passes!

Some students prefer to learn the piano just for pleasure, whereas others wish to learn traditionally and pursue graded exams. I always adopt a teaching style that directly reflects the aspirations of my students, whether learning to play by ear, or learning how to read music from the beginning. My students feel comfortable with my teaching style and I always try to put them at ease, whether aged 7 or 70 - it is never too late to learn!

There are excerpts in the media section that you can listen to, along with some examples of students' own recordings.

 

My qualifications are:

BA (Hons) Sec Mus Ed (2:1 - with Qualified Teacher Status)
Qualified Secondary School Music Teacher
Qualified Primary School Teacher
Piano Grades 1 - 8
A.L.C.M. Diploma (Music Theory)

Chartered Insurance Institute Certificate
Chartered Institute of Bankers Diploma

Safeguarding Level 1 v3

I am fully registered with E.W.C. (Education Workforce Council) as a Qualified Primary and Secondary School Teacher, which allows my teaching within schools, of pupils from ages 3 – 19.

I have an Enhanced Disclosure DBS Certificate (formally CRB - Criminal Records Bureau check), which always remains current and up to date due to my membership of the DBS update service.

I also undertake regular Child Protection and Safeguarding training.

I can offer Piano Lessons, Keyboard Lessons, Music Theory and GCSE Music Tuition. I am able to enter students for A.B.R.S.M. exams (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) if required.

Please feel free to leave a message on either my landline or mobile if you would like further information and I will return your call as soon as I am able. I do not charge for an initial short lesson / consultation, whether at your home or at mine. If you prefer, you may email (see below) to ask any questions.

aburnett101@outlook.com

Tel: 07793 060 636 or 01446 751207

 

Enquire now for a free initial meeting and consultation!